In the beer industry, aluminium cans and glass bottles are two primary packaging options, each with its own distinct advantages and drawbacks in terms of costs, raw materials, processing requirements, and recycling potential. Understanding the impact of these packaging types can help breweries make sustainable and economic choices.
Raw Materials and Processing
Aluminium cans are primarily made from bauxite ore, a finite resource, though 75% of all aluminium ever produced is still in use due to its recyclability (International Aluminium Institute, 2021). The extraction and processing of bauxite is energy-intensive, but aluminium cans are highly efficient to produce at scale (Ball Corporation, n.d.). Glass bottles, on the other hand, are made from abundant materials such as silica (sand), soda ash, and limestone, but melting these components into glass requires high temperatures, leading to significant energy use. Glass production results in more emissions per kilogram than aluminium, though it has potential for multiple uses (British Glass, n.d.).
Costs, Weight and Size Considerations
Cost-wise, aluminium cans have an advantage in terms of weight. They are much lighter than glass, making them cheaper to transport and store, which is especially beneficial for long-haul shipping. Lower transportation costs contribute to a smaller carbon footprint for aluminium, as well as a reduced cost per unit (Zero Waste Scotland, 2019). Glass bottles, while heavier, add an element of premium branding that some consumers and brands prefer, often allowing breweries to charge higher prices (Recycling Today, 2020). Rosa’s Thai restaurants is one of our biggest customers, and they transitioned from bottles to cans, predominantly based on efficiencies of storage space within their under-counter fridges. It is possible to stack cans in the fridge, and thus almost doubling the volume that can be chilled ready for serving.
Recycling Efficiency and Systems in the UK
The recyclability of both materials is a strong point. In the UK, aluminium cans have a recycling rate of around 82%, partly due to established systems and the metal's high economic value (Alupro, n.d.). Aluminium is infinitely recyclable, and the process of recycling it uses only 5% of the energy required to produce new aluminium (International Aluminium Institute, 2021). Meanwhile, glass bottles are also highly recyclable, though UK recycling rates for glass are slightly lower at around 67% (Waste & Resources Action Programme, n.d.). One factor is that glass is often downcycled into aggregates for construction rather than recycled into new bottles. The weight of glass also makes recycling logistically challenging, as transportation emissions are higher (The Guardian, 2020).
Environmental Considerations
Environmentally, aluminium has a slight edge, as cans are easier to collect, transport, and recycle efficiently. The lower emissions from recycling, coupled with reduced transportation energy, make aluminium an attractive option for breweries seeking sustainable packaging solutions (Zero Waste Scotland, 2019). However, glass has the advantage of reusability in some cases, which can lower its overall environmental impact if reused multiple times (British Glass, n.d.).
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between aluminium cans and glass bottles depends on a balance between cost, brand positioning, and environmental impact. Aluminium cans generally offer a lower-cost, more sustainable choice with efficient recycling systems in place, while glass bottles are often preferred for their aesthetic appeal and branding versatility. At Mad Cat Brewery, we use both of these packing options to provide our customers with the choice that suits their circumstances. Generally our bottles will be for low volume, bespoke local settings, whilst our cans are being used nationally.
References
- Ball Corporation. (n.d.). Sustainability of Aluminium Cans. Retrieved from https://www.ball.com
- British Glass. (n.d.). Sustainability and Recycling of Glass in the UK. Retrieved from https://www.britglass.org.uk
- Alupro. (n.d.). Aluminium Packaging Recycling in the UK. Retrieved from https://www.alupro.org.uk
- Zero Waste Scotland. (2019). Environmental Impact of Packaging Choices for Beer. Retrieved from https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk
- Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP). (n.d.). Glass Recycling: Facts and Figures. Retrieved from https://wrap.org.uk
- International Aluminium Institute. (2021). Aluminium Recycling and Energy Savings. Retrieved from https://international-aluminium.org
- The Guardian. (2020, March 6). Glass bottles worse for the environment than plastic, study finds. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com
- Recycling Today. (2020). Aluminium can recycling and the circular economy. Retrieved from https://www.recyclingtoday.com
- https://www.creative-package.com/news/glass-bottles-vs-aluminum-cans-which-one-is-better-Creative-Packing-Technology